CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/424,080, filed November 1 8, 201 6. The disclosures set forth in the referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Field Of The Invention:

[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatuses for restraining occupants in moving vehicles, and more specifically to such apparatuses that include dynamic tensioning and/or load reducing features.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional restraint systems typically include one or more webs, tethers or belts configured to restrain one or more occupants seated on a seat, bench or chair in a moving vehicle. Such restraint systems may include a tensioner feature that causes the web or belt to be placed into tension in the event of a sudden vehicle deceleration. Many different types of tensioners are known. An example includes a seat belt reel that is rotated to retract the web around the reel, thereby tensioning the web about the occupant of the vehicle. Other such restraint systems may include a shock absorption or load reducing feature for mitigating the force loads on one or more of the webs or other seat belt components when an occupant applies force to the web. Such a feature may be used when one or more of the webs, tethers or belts is locked in position by, for example, a locking web retractor or belt reel.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recited in the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. In a first example aspect, a dynamic tensioning and load reducing device for a vehicle may comprise an elastic body extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end and having a first length therebetween, the elastic body formed to include one or more web slots, and a flexible web configured to extend along a substantially linear path to restrain an occupant of a vehicle seat mounted within the vehicle, the flexible web extending through the one or more web slots to extend from the first end to the second end of the elastic body in a non-linear manner, the flexible web retained in a substantially fixed position relative to the elastic body. The elastic body deforms in the longitudinal direction to a second length when a force is applied by the flexible web to the elastic body, the second length being longer than the first length.

[0005] A second example aspect includes the subject matter of the first example aspect, and wherein the elastic body includes one or more web-extension members configured to extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein the one or more web-extension members of the elastic body further comprise a tubular body.

[0006] A third example aspect includes the subject matter of the second example aspects, and wherein the tubular body includes one or more ridges that extend annularly outward of the tubular body.

[0007] A fourth example aspect includes the subject matter of the first through third example aspects, and wherein the elastic body includes one or more web- extension members configured to extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein the flexible web is woven along the one or more web-extension members to extend away from the linear path.

[0008] A fifth example aspect includes the subject matter of the second, third and fourth example aspects, and wherein the flexible web applies a deformation force to the one or more web-extension members in a second direction that is not parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0009] A sixth example aspect includes the subject matter of the fourth and fifth example aspects, and wherein the web-extension members further comprise a tubular body having a circular cross-section.

[0010] A seventh example aspect includes the subject matter of the second, third or sixth example aspects, and wherein the tubular body includes one or more apertures extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] An eighth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the second through seventh example aspects, and wherein the elastic body further comprises a positioning bar at the first end, the positioning bar extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and spaced away from the one or more web- extension members to form a guide slot to receive the flexible web. [0012] A ninth example aspect includes the subject matter of the eighth example aspect, and wherein the positioning bar is elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction when a force is applied by the flexible web to the positioning bar.

[0013] In a tenth example aspect, a tensioning and load reducing device may comprise an elastic body extending along a longitudinal axis, the elastic body having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end by a first length, the elastic body further having a front surface extending longitudinally between the first and second ends and a back surface extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, and wherein the elastic body is elastically deformable in at least a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a flexible web configured to be woven through the elastic body from the front surface to the back surface along the longitudinal axis, the flexible web extending through one or more slots in the elastic body that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the flexible webbing thereafter not being slidable relative to the elastic body. The elastic body is elongated in the longitudinal direction to a second length when a force is applied by the flexible web to the elastic body, the second length being longer than the first length.

[0014] An eleventh example aspect includes the subject matter of the tenth example aspect, and wherein the elastic body is further capable of elastically deforming in a direction of the force applied to the flexible web.

[0015] A twelfth example aspect includes the subject matter of the tenth and eleventh aspects, and wherein the elastic body includes one or more tubular bodies that are deformable in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0016] A thirteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the twelfth example aspect, and wherein the flexible web is configured to abut against a portion of an annular surface of the one or more tubular bodies, the flexible web being maintained in a substantially fixed position relative to the tubular bodies.

[0017] A fourteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the tenth through thirteenth example aspects, and wherein the elastic body includes at least a first tubular body and a second tubular body spaced apart from the first tubular body, wherein the flexible web extends along the front surface to abut against the first tubular body, extends through a slot formed between the first tubular body and the second tubular body, and extends along the back surface to abut against the second tubular body. [0018] A fifteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the tenth through fourteenth example aspects, and wherein the elastic body includes five or more tubular bodies spaced apart from each other to form slots therebetween to receive the flexible web.

[0019] A sixteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the tenth through fifteenth example aspects, and wherein the flexible web is a component of an occupant restraint system of a vehicle.

[0020] A seventeenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixteenth example aspect, and wherein the flexible web is positioned between an anchoring point on the vehicle and a turning point of a 3-point harness of the occupant restraint system.

[0021] An eighteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixteenth and seventeenth example aspects, and wherein the flexible web is a chest or shoulder strap of the occupant restraint system.

[0022] A nineteenth example aspect includes the subject matter of the sixteenth and seventeenth example aspects, and wherein the flexible web is a component of a lap belt of the occupant restraint system.

[0023] In a twentieth example aspect, a tensioning and load reducing apparatus for an occupant restraint system of a vehicle may comprise an elastic body extending in a longitudinal axis, the elastic body including a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end, a first side extending between the first and second ends, and a second side extending between the first and second ends, the elastic body further comprising one or more web-extension members configured to extend between the first and second sides in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a flexible strap configured to be positioned along an outer annular surface of the one or more web-extension members and received within one or more slots formed in the elastic body, at least a portion of the strap maintained in a direction that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis. The elastic body is stretchable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis when a force substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis is applied to the flexible strap.

[0024] A twenty-first example aspect includes the subject matter of the twentieth example aspect, and wherein at least one of the first or second sides is formed to include grooves along an exterior surface of the dies, and wherein one or more grooves are positioned along a front portion of the elastic body and one or more grooves are positioned along a back portion of the elastic body.

[0025] A twenty-second example aspect includes the subject matter of the twenty-first example aspect, and wherein the one or more grooves positioned along the front portion have a first depth that is greater than a second depth of the one or more grooves positioned along the back portion.

[0026] A twenty-third example aspect includes the subject matter of the twenty- first and twenty-second example aspects, wherein the grooves are positioned before or after the one or more web-extension members along the longitudinal axis.

[0027] A twenty-fourth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the twenty-first, twenty-second or twenty-third example aspects, wherein there are two or more grooves positioned along the front portion of the elastic body, and wherein the two or more grooves each have the same depth.

[0028] A twenty-fifth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the twentieth through twenty-fourth example aspects, wherein at least one of the one or more web-extension members includes one or more ribs along the outer annular surface.

[0029] A twenty-sixth example aspect includes the subject matter of the twenty- fifth example aspect, wherein the one or more ribs do not extend around an entire circumference of the outer annular surface of the web-extension members.

[0030] A twenty-seventh example aspect includes the subject matter of the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth example aspects, wherein the outer annular surface of at least one of the one or more web-extension members is smooth.

[0031] The twenty-eighth example aspect includes the subject matter of any of the twentieth through twenty-seventh example aspects, wherein the elastic body further includes a positioning bar at the first end, the positioning bar extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and spaced away from the one or more web-extension members to form a guide slot to receive the flexible strap

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device for an occupant restraint system shown in a side perspective view, the device including one or more slits or openings through which a vehicle restraint strap is woven, the device in a first state having no force applied to the device from the vehicle restraint strap.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a modified view of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device illustrated in FIG. 1 , showing the device in a second state wherein a dynamic force is translated to the device from the vehicle strap along a longitudinal axis of the device.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device illustrated in FIG. 1 , showing the device in a relaxed state positioned next to a standard desk ruler.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a modified view of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device of FIG. 3, showing the device in a stretched state positioned next to a standard desk ruler.

[0036] FIG. 5 is an alternative view of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device of FIG. 1 shown without the vehicle restraint strap woven through the openings of the device.

[0037] FIG 6 is a first alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device for an occupant restraint system shown in a top perspective view.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a second alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device for an occupant restraint system shown in a top perspective view.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device similar to that shown in FIG. 6, the device positioned on a vehicle restraint strap configured to restrain the shoulder and/or chest of an occupant of a vehicle.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device similar to that shown in FIG. 1 , the device positioned between an anchorage point on the vehicle and a turning point of the occupant restraint system.

[0041] FIGS. 10A-10G are various views of a third alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device.

[0042] FIGS. 1 1 A-1 1 G are various views of a fourth alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device.

[0043] FIGS. 12A-12G are various views of a fifth alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device.

[0044] FIGS. 13A-13G are various views of a sixth alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device. DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0045] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1 -5 and 9, an illustrative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 for use with an occupant restraint system 10 for a moving vehicle is shown. The moving vehicle may illustratively be or include any motor or non-motor commercial, non-commercial or recreational vehicle, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, an automobile, a light, mid or heavy duty truck, an emergency vehicle such as a fire truck, ambulance or the like, any type of bus such as a school bus, commercial bus, shuttle bus or the like, a van, a limousine of any type, a commercial or personal watercraft, a recreational vehicle an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), any type of off-road vehicle, electric vehicle of any type, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the occupant restraint system 10 is implemented in an off-road vehicle including a vehicle seat 16 in which an occupant (not shown) is seated, although it will be understood that the occupant restraint system 10 may alternatively be implemented in any of the movable vehicles described in this paragraph.

[0047] In various embodiments, the occupant restraint system 10 includes a mount 12 affixed to the movable vehicle, e.g., to a portion of a frame 18 of the vehicle, and a flexible web, belt or tether 14 attached at one end to the mount 12. In such embodiments, the web 14 may be flexible but may not be elastically deformable (e.g. the web may be bendable but may not be stretchable). In some embodiments, the mount 12 may be a fixed structure to which one end of the web 14 is securely attached, and in other embodiments the mount 12 may include a conventional web retractor (not shown) from which the web 14 may be paid out, and into which the web 14 may retract under the force of one or more biasing members, e.g., springs. In embodiments in which the mount 1 2 is a web retractor, the web retractor may be a conventional rotary retractor or linear retractor, and in any case may be a locking retractor or free-spooling. If a locking retractor, the web retractor 12 may illustratively be a conventional inertial locking retractor such as an emergency locking retractor (ELR), a conventional automatic locking retractor (ALR), or other conventional inertial or non-inertial locking retractor. In any case, the opposite end of the web 14 is illustratively attached to a conventional releasable engagement device (not shown) that is configured for releasable engagement with a correspondingly configured

engagement device (not shown) attached to the seat 16 or other support structure, such that the two engagement devices may be selectively engaged, e.g., locked or otherwise attached to each other, and disengaged. Examples of the releasable engagement device include, but are not limited to, a conventional buckle, a

conventional tongue, or the like.

[0048] In such a manner, the web 14 extending between the mount 12 and the engagement device will be maintained in a substantially taut or fixed position, for example, via a locking retractor. The locking retractor may accordingly act as a tensioner of the web 14 when it is secured with the engagement device, causing the web 14 to place some tension or force upon the occupant to maintain the occupant in a substantially stable position. The length of the web 14 between the mount 12 and the engagement device may be substantially fixed when the occupant restraint system 10 is in use in order to retain an occupant in the substantially stable condition within the vehicle seat. Accordingly, if conditions of the vehicle cause a force to be applied to the occupant while retained via the occupant restraint system 10 (e.g. a forward

momentum from a sudden stop), then web 14 will traditionally be maintained in a substantially tense or fixed position to prevent additional forward movement of the occupant retained by the web 14.

[0049] In the embodiment illustrated, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 provides for dynamic tensioning and relaxing of the web 14 of the occupant restraint system 10 when a force F is applied to the web 14, for instance by the occupant, thereby mitigating a resultant force R applied by the web 14 to the occupant. The device 20 further provides for the reduction of force or peak loads applied to the web 14 by the occupant under various operating conditions of the vehicle in which the occupant restraint system 10 is mounted. For example, non-uniformities in the terrain being traversed by the vehicle are typically translated through the vehicle suspension and vehicle seat 16 to the vehicle occupant which results in movement of the occupant's body within the vehicle seat 16. Such occupant movement is, in turn, transferred from the occupant's body to the web 14 in the form of dynamic forces applied to the web 14, for example, in a direction 46. In embodiments in which the mount 12 is or includes a locking web retractor, the locking web retractor 12 may be previously locked, or such dynamic forces applied by the occupant's body to the web 14 cause the locking web retractor 12 to lock. In either case the length of the web 14 may be fixed and generally taut. As will be described in greater detail below, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 illustratively includes an elastically deformable structure with which the web 14 is engaged to cause the web 14 to be retained in a non-linear manner. In illustrative embodiments, the web 14 is interwoven in the device 20. The retainment of the web 14 in a nonlinear manner provides excess web 14 material when the web 14 is otherwise fixed and taut, the excess web 14 material permitting the web 14 to stretch or extend further than previously permitted when dynamic loading is applied to the web 14. In other words, the non-linear manner of retaining the web 14 causes additional web 14 material to be required to traverse the same distance as the web 14 traverses in a taut state, the additional web 14 material thereafter being utilizing to permit dynamic tensioning and relaxing of the web 14 when force F is applied thereto. In such cases, the forces applied to the system 10 would otherwise be borne by the occupant (e.g. via a resultant force R) given the taut nature of the web 14. The stretching of the web 14 also provides reduction of peak loads applied by the occupant through the web 14 to the system 10. When the dynamic force F is reduced or eliminated, the elastically deformable structure of the device 20 will cause the web 14 engaged with the device 20 to tighten up or increase in tension again.

[0050] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 -5, illustratively includes an elastic body 30 having a first end 32, a second end 34 spaced apart from the first end 32, a first side 36, and a second side 38 spaced apart from the first side 36. The ends 32 and 34 and sides 36 and 38 generally define an outer perimeter of the elastic body 30. In illustrative embodiments, the elastic body is provided in a rectangular form having a front portion 40 and a back portion 42, wherein the front portion 40 and back portion 42 have similar features and

characteristics. The front portion 40 and back portion 42 have lengths L defined between the first end 32 and second end 34 of the elastic body 30 and have widths W defined between the first side 36 and the second side 38 of the elastic body 30. In illustrative embodiments, the length L is greater than the width W, the length L being configured along a longitudinal axis X of the elastic body 30. In illustrative

embodiments, front portion 40 is configured to be forward oriented or forward facing, such that the front portion 40 is positioned in a direction that faces forward relative to the vehicle. It will be understood that such a configuration of the elastic body 30 is shown and described only by way of example, and that this disclosure contemplates other shapes and configurations of the elastic body 30.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS, 1 -2, an exterior surface 35 of first side 36 and an exterior surface 33 of second side 38 are formed to include undulations or grooves G along the length L of the body 30. Illustratively, a front set of grooves Gt may extend along the exterior surfaces 33 and 35 that are positioned along the front portion 40 of the body 30, and a back set of grooves Gb may extend along the exterior surfaces 33 and 35 that are positioned along the back or bottom portion 42 of the body 30. The positioning, length and depth of these grooves Gt and Gb along the sides 36 and 38 may be varied within the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] The grooves Gt and Gb are formed to permit flexing or movement of the body 30 as described herein. In particular, the grooves Gt and Gb may be positioned to permit the body 30 to bend or elastically deform outward toward direction 46 when force F is applied to portions of the body 30. Illustratively, the grooves Gt and Gb may be positioned along sides 36 and 38 such that the grooves Gt and Bg are linearly along the longitudinal axis X between tubular bodies 50, described below. The grooves Gt and Gb are positioned to permit flexing or bending of the body 30 when subjected to force F in part to absorb or mitigate some of the resultant force R applied to the person.

[0053] As illustrated by example in FIGS. 2 and 4, the elastic body 30 is elastically deformable so as to provide some amount of attenuation in the forward movement of the web 14 and occupant under dynamic loading conditions of the type described herein. Illustratively, the elastic body 30 is generally elastically deformable in a direction parallel to the length L or longitudinal direction of the elastic body 30 (e.g. along the longitudinal axis X) such that the elastic body 30 will dissipate, i.e., absorb, energy resulting from forces applied by the occupant to the web 14 by elastically deforming, e.g., by flexing outwardly in a direction along the longitudinal axis X, under dynamic loading conditions applied by the web 14. Accordingly, the elastic body 30 may deform in (and elongate parallel to) the same direction as the web 14 when force is applied to the web 14.

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the elastic body is generally elastically deformable in directions parallel to a plane of the longitudinal axis X. The elastic body 30 may also be deformable in a direction parallel with the direction of the force F being applied to the web 14. However, the elastic body may not be as deformable, if at all, in other directions. In any case, the elastic body 30 provides some amount of dynamic relief in the tension of the web 14 under conditions where an occupant applies a forward force (generally in the forward direction of directional arrow 46) to the web 14. The elastic body 30 may elastically deform along the longitudinal axis X to effectively extend the length of the device 20 to a length L2 while the width of the device 20 remains substantially the same width W, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The extension of the device 20 to the length L2 effectively extends the overall length of the web 14 between the mount 1 2 and engagement devices of the occupant restraint system 10 when the web 14 is in a taut state. Similarly, the elastic body 30 may also attenuate peak loads applied by the occupant through the web 14 to the device 20. This reduction in load can improve the comfort and protection of the occupant (by reducing load forces applied to the occupant) as well as protecting the components of the occupant restraint system 10 from damage or issues arising from excessive force being applied to the components.

[0055] Both the geometric shape and the material properties of the elastic body 30 can be designed to control the magnitude of the loads or forces at different points during an impact event. In one embodiment, elastic deformation of the elastic body 30 is achieved via choice of material from which the elastic body 30 is fabricated. In such embodiments, the elastic body 30 may be constructed partially or entirely of one or more elastomers, such as rubber, although one or more elastomers and/or one or more other elastically deformable materials may alternatively be used. In other embodiments, the elastic body may be constructed of one or more rigid or semi-rigid components that act as a backbone to which an elastically deformable structure or material is attached, affixed or integrally formed.

[0056] The elastic body 30 further includes one or more web-extension members 50 that extend between the first side 36 and second side 38 in a manner that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and parallel to the first and second ends 32 and 34. The web-extension members 50 are configured to at least partially abut against the web 14 of the occupant restraint system 1 0 when the device 20 is received on the web 14. As illustrated in, for example, FIG. 5, an illustrative embodiment of the elastic body 30 may include at least five web-extension members 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e. However, the elastic body 30 may include more or less web-extension members, depending on the function of the elastic body 30 or the location of the elastic body 30 on the occupant restraint system 10. For instance, FIG. 6 illustrates an elastic body with more than five web-extension members 50. Other numbers of web-extension members 50 are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific number of web-extension members 50. In various embodiments, the web-extension members 50 are elastically compressible (e.g. able to be flattened) when the elastic body 30 is deformed as described herein.

[0057] In various embodiments, the web-extension members 50 may be comprised of various features or shapes to receive and engage with the web 14 of the occupant restraint system 10. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 -5, each web- extension member 50 may be comprised of a tubular body 54 extending between the first side 36 and the second side 38 of the elastic body 30. The tubular body 54 generally extends a length LT from the first side 36 to the second side 36. In illustrative embodiments, the length LT may be equal to or slightly more than the width of the web 14 of the occupant restraint system 10, although other distances are envisioned herein. For instance, the length LT of the tubular body 54 may be substantially more than the width of the web 14 that extends through the elastic body 30. In such a case, the web 14 may be permitted to shift toward or away from the sides 36 and 38 to be closer or further away from the sides 36 and 38 while still woven through the web-extension members 50.

[0058] The tubular body 54 further includes an annular surface 56 that defines an outer boundary of the tubular body 54 and extends between the sides 36 and 38. The annular surface 56 may generally have a circular cross-section, and the tubular body 54 may be formed to have a diameter D. In illustrative embodiments, the tubular body 54 will be formed to include one or more apertures 48 through the tubular body 54 to increase the capacity of the body 54 to deform, as will be discussed below. Accordingly, the aperture 48 may cause a portion of the tubular body 54 to be hollow.

[0059] In various embodiments, one or more ribs 58 may optionally extend radially outward of the annular surface 56 of the tubular body 54. In other

embodiments, the ribs 58 may include an exterior surface 53 that is contiguous with the annular surface 56 of the tubular body 54. A variety of configurations of the ribs 58 are envisioned herein. Alternatively, one or more of the tubular bodies 54 may not include ribs 58 along the annular surface 56, but may rather include a substantially smooth or non-ribbed surface for engagement with the web 14. [0060] The ribs 58 may be configured to engage with the web 14 and increase friction and gripping of the web 14 as the web 14 weaves through the tubular bodies 54. In the case of no ribs 58, the annular surface 56 may be configured to engage with the web 14 directly. The ribs 58 may extend around the entire circumference of the tubular body 54 (as indicated for example in FIG. 5), or may extend only partially around the circumference of the tubular body 54 (as indicated for example in FIGS 10A-10G). A tubular body 54 may further include multiple sets of ribs 58 positioned at various locations around the circumference of the tubular body 54 (as indicated by one tubular body 154 illustrated in FIG. 10A). It is envisioned that the size, shape, number and location of the ribs 58 may be varied within the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] The tubular body 54 may be formed of the same or similar material to the rest of the elastic body, although other materials could also be suitable for the tubular body 54.

[0062] In various embodiments, the web-extension members 50 are configured to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis X of the elastic body 30 to form one or more slits or openings 52 between the web-extension members 50. The openings 52 are sized and configured to receive the web 14 of the occupant restraint system 10 to permit the web 14 to be woven over and under consecutive web- extension members 50, e.g., in serpentine fashion, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 -5. The openings 52 and web-extension members 50 are also sized and configured to retain the web 14 in frictional engagement with the elastic body 30 such that the web 14 is not slidable relative to the elastic body 30 once the web 14 is engaged with the web- extension members 50 and openings 52. Accordingly, the web 14 is fixed relative to the elastic body 30 once it is engaged with the elastic body 30. The elastic body 30, and in particular the web-extension members 50 and openings 52 are configured such that the web 14 is positionable at any of various locations along the elastic body and will remain at any such selected position without additional engagement or restraint structures maintaining the elastic body 30 at a specific location along the web 14.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 -2 and 5, the sides 36 and 38, are configured in illustrative embodiments to have a larger or maximum width Wmax adjacent the tubular bodies 54 and a smaller width or minimum width Wmin in between the tubular bodies 54, thereby forming the grooves Gt and Gb described herein. Accordingly the grooves Gt and Gb may be positioned in between the tubular bodies 54, the grooves Gt and Gb having a groove depth Dx, in order to encourage or permit facilitate bending of the body 30 along planes including the grooves Gt and Gb. It is envisioned to be within the scope of this disclosure that the groove depth Dx can be varied. For instance, as would be understood, the smaller the groove depth Dx, the more rigid (or less flexible) the device 20 is going to be at the location of those grooves. Further, the groove depth Dx of the grooves Gt may be larger than the groove depth Dx of the grooves Gb, thereby permitting more flexibility on the front portion 40 than the back portion 42, or vice versa. Thus, the groove depth Dx may be modified as illustrated herein to increase or decrease the amount of flexibility or deformability the device has when subjected to force F or resultant force RF.

[0064] In an illustrative embodiment, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 may further include a first positioning bar 60 at the first end 32 of the elastic body 30 of a second positioning bar 62 at the second end 34 of the elastic body 30. The positioning bars 60 and 62 may extend between the first side 36 and the second side 38 of the elastic body 30 similar to the tubular bodies 54 such that the positioning bars 60 and 62 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The positioning bar 60 may be spaced away from the tubular bodies 54 to form a guide slot 64 to receive the web 14 and to direct the web 14 toward the tubular bodies 54, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 -5. Similarly, the positioning bar 62 may be spaced away from the tubular bodies 54 to form an exit slot 66 to receive the web 14 and to direct the web 14 out of the elastic body 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 -5. The positioning bars 60 and 62 provide a guide for the web 14 as it enters into engagement with the device and disengages from the device.

[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the positioning bars 60 and 62 are also formed of deformable elastic material. As force is applied via the web 14, the positioning bars 60 may extend outwardly from the rest of the device 20 along the longitudinal axis X. As illustrated, an illustrative embodiment of the positioning bars 60 and 62 may extend farther than the first and second ends 32 and 34 of the elastic body 30 when force is applied thereto from the web 14.

[0066] The web 14 is woven through the elastic body 30 by alternatively aligning the web 14 along the front portion 40 and the back portion 42 of the elastic body 30 as the web 14 is woven against each tubular body 54, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. In such a manner, the linear path P of the web 14 is deflected or disrupted as the web 14 abuts against a portion of the annular surface 56 of each tubular body 54, causing the web material to travel away from a generally flat plane P defined by the web 14 in a taut position against the occupant of a vehicle when the occupant restraint system 10 is engaged. This deflection causes additional web 14 material to be required to traverse the same length L of the device 20 as compared to web 14 material that is not engaged with the elastic body 30.

[0067] The tubular bodies 54 of the web-extension members 50 are configured to be deformable by force from the web 14 woven along the web-extension members 50 in order to permit a dynamic tensioning and relaxing of the web 14, as well as absorption of shock from a force applied to the web 14. Upon such deformation, the length L of the elastic body 30 as a whole is expanded. For instance, the tubular body 54 may be stretchable in a direction along the longitudinal axis X of the elastic body 30 when force F is applied to the web 14 and transferred to the tubular bodies 54, causing the elastic body 30 to stretch as well. Typically, the web 14 will be taut or substantially taut in the occupant restraint system 10 between two secure points, as noted previously. When force F is applied to the web 14 (e.g. from the occupant), the force F would traditionally cause the web 14 to stretch out in the direction of the force F to counteract the force F, but the occupant restraint system 10 will retain the web 14 in a substantially fixed position, thereby causing the web 14 to absorb most of the force F and transfer the resultant force R back to the occupant. When the deformable tubular bodies 54 of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 is utilized in conjunction with the web 14, the force F applied to the web 14 will cause the web 14 to attempt to stretch out in the direction of the force F. The additional web 14 material that is woven in a non-linear manner over the annular surface 56 of the tubular body 54 will attempt to straighten out to be more linearly aligned along the web 15 path P with the rest of the web 14. Accordingly, the additional web 14 material will apply a deformation force DF to the annular surface 56 of the tubular body 54, causing the annular surface 56 to deform closer to the linear path P of the web 14. The elastic body 30 accordingly absorbs some of the shock or force applied to the web 14.

[0068] FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 in a first state 100, wherein little to no force F is applied to the web 14 or the device 20. The web 14 is woven along the front portion 40 of the elastic body 30 for first, third and fifth tubular bodies 54a, 54c, and 54e, and along the back portion 42 of the elastic body 30 for second and fourth tubular bodies 54b and 54d. In the first state 100, the elastic body 30 has a length of L. In various embodiments, length L may be

approximately 4.75 inches, as illustrated by the standard ruler adjacent the elastic body 30. FIG. 4 illustrates the same device 20 as shown in FIG. 3 after it has been placed into a second state 200, wherein a force F has been applied to the web 14 or the device 20. In the second state 200, the elastic body 30 has a length of L2, wherein L2 is longer than L. In various embodiments, L2 may be approximately 5.75 inches, as illustrated. When the force F is no longer applied to the web 14 or device 20, the device 20 may return to the shape and form as in the first state 100, or the device 20 may be maintained in a deformed state, such as the second state 200 for example, to maintain or provide additional tension relaxing and load reducing features.

[0069] Accordingly, when a force F is applied to the web 14, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 deforms along the longitudinal axis X to absorb some of the shock from the force F. It also permits the web 14 to extend further in the direction of the force F (e.g. loosen up) in order to reduce or delay a resultant force R from the taut web 14 upon the occupant of the vehicle. When the force F has been mitigated, the device 20 returns to a non-deformed state, tightening up the web 14. The dynamic tensioning of the device 20 permits it to provide the occupant restraint system 10 with additional shock absorption and dissipation features during a very large impact force while still maintaining a taut web 14 to secure the occupant when the is little or no impact force applied to the web 14.

[0070] An illustrative example of how the web 14 is woven within the elastic body 30 will now be described, although other means of weaving the web 14 are envisioned herein. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 -5, the web 14 is woven through the elastic body 30 along portions of the annular surfaces 56 of the tubular bodies 54. The web 14 may first be inserted into the guide slot 64 formed between the first positioning bar 60 and the first tubular body 54a. The first and second sides 36 and 38 of the elastic body 30 will generally define outer boundaries for the web 14 as it is woven through the elastic body 30. The web 14 may then be placed along the annular surface 56a of the first tubular body 54a along the front portion 40 of the elastic body 30. The web 14 may then be inserted into the opening 52a that is defined between the first tubular body 54a and the second tubular body 54b, the web 14 thereby extending toward the back portion 42 of the elastic body 30. The web 14 may then be placed along the annular surface 56b of the second tubular body 54b along the back portion 42 of the elastic body 30. The web 14 may then be inserted into the opening 52b that is defined between the second tubular body 54b and the third tubular body 54c, the web 14 thereby extending back toward the front portion 40 of the elastic body 30. This weaving process may be repeated until the web 14 is placed along the last tubular body 54 of the elastic body 30. At that point, the web 14 may be inserted into the exit slot 66 formed between the last tubular body 54n and the second positioning bar 62, and the web 14 may then extend in the occupant restraint system 10 as normal.

[0071] It will be understood that the device 20 can be integrated into a number of occupant restraint system or seat belt configurations. For example, the device 20 may be used in a single or multi-point application. One example of this may be installation of the device 20 between an anchorage point 22 and a turning point (D- loop) 24 of a 3-point occupant restraint system 1 1 , as illustrated in FIG. 9. In such an embodiment, the force applied to a web 14A woven through the device 20 may be a tugging force F1 applied from D-loop connection 24 attached to the web 14 retaining the occupant of the vehicle, the force F1 being substantially aligned with the

longitudinal axis X of the elastic body 30. The device 20 can be installed at a seat belt anchorage point (not shown), oriented in-line with the web 14 material, or both. An inline configuration may be installed between the D-looping turning point 24 and a seat belt connection device (e.g. a seat belt tongue) (not shown) to be positioned along the chest or shoulder area of the occupant, as described below. The device 20 may be configurable to use in other types of occupant restraint systems, such a 4-point, 5-point or 6-point system, as illustrated for example in FIG. 8.

[0072] FIGS. 6 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 80 for an occupant restraint system 13. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the device 80 may be positioned along a shoulder or chest portion of the occupant restraint system 13 to align generally with the occupant's should, neck or chest, although alternative locations for the device within the occupant restraint system 13 are envisioned herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the device 80 includes an elastic body 82 similar to the elastic body 30 of the first embodiment of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20. The elastic body 82 includes similar features and elements as the elastic body 30, however the elastic body 82 includes tubular bodies 84 wherein the number of tubular bodies 84 exceed the number of tubular bodies 54 illustrated in the elastic body 30. Accordingly, the length L3 of the device 80 in a first state 101 without force applied exceeds the length L of the device 20 in the first state 100, permitting more web 14 material to be engaged within the elastic body 82 of the device 80. It will be understood that as more web 14 material is engaged within the elastic body 82, more web 14 material is deflected away from the straight path P of the web 14. This additional web 14 material will then permit the total length of the web 14 to increase as the tubular bodies 84 deflect from force applied to the elastic body 82 to place the elastic body 82 in a second state (not shown) via the web 14, increasing the shock absorbing function of the elastic body 30 and permitting the tension on the web 14 to be relaxed further upon force impact.

[0073] By positioning the device 80 along the chest or shoulder area of an occupant, the occupant may experience a reduction in added pressure on the upper body during rough riding conditions. An additional comfort benefit may be experienced by the device 80 in that the device 80 may assist with keeping the web 14 across the occupant's chest (via, for example, frictional engagement of the back portion 42 against the occupant) and not against their neck to avoid neck rub.

[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of two dynamic tensioner and load reducing devices 90 and 92 positioned along a lap belt 70 of an occupant restraint system 15. The lap belt 70 includes a first web 72 secured to a seat or another portion of the vehicle (not shown) on a first end of the web 72 and secured to a conventional engagement buckle-receiver 76 on a second end of the web 72. The lap belt 70 also includes a second web 74 secured to a seat or another portion of the vehicle (not shown) on a first end of the web 74 and secured to a conventional engagement tab 78 that is lockingly receivable in the buckle-receiver 76 on a second end of the web 74. The first dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 90 is positioned along the first web 72 and is substantially similar in size and function as the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 of the first embodiment. Similarly, the second dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 92 is positioned along the second web 74 and is substantially similar in size and function as the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 of the first embodiment. The lap belt 70 is configured to be placed around the lap or waist of an occupant, with the devices 90 and 92 providing shock absorption and web tension relief as described herein to the occupant's waist or lap area. However, other locations for such a two-device embodiment within the occupant restraint system 15 are envisioned herein, and the present embodiment should not be limited to the occupant's waist or lap area.

[0075] FIGS. 10A-10G illustrate another alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 120. In this embodiment, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 120 is substantially the same as, and includes substantially the same components as, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 20 discussed above, except for as described below. For reference, components that are the same in the device 120 as in the device 20 will be identified with a one-hundred reference numeral in front of the same reference numeral used with the device 20 (e.g. elastic body 130 is substantially the same as elastic body 30). The description and detail above regarding such similar components in device 20 are incorporated herein regarding the components in device 120.

[0076] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 120 illustrates an alternative to the device 20 in that the annular surface 156 of one or more tubular bodies 154 of device 20 is relatively smooth and does not include ribs 158 that extend along the surface 156. In particular, the tubular bodies 154 alternate, along the length L of the device 120, to include ribs 158, or no ribs (smooth), along the annular surface 156. Further, as illustrated, the annular ribs 158 on the alternating tubular bodies 154 extend only along a portion of the surface 156 of the tubular bodies 154 that aligns with or is along the front portion 140 of the device 120, while the portion of the surface 156 of the tubular bodies 1 54 that aligns with or is along the back portion 142 of the device does not include ribs 158. In various embodiments, the web (not shown) that extends through the device 120 is configured to be woven along the smooth surfaces of the tubular bodies 158 to increase or maximize the frictional interaction of the web with the tubular bodies 158.

[0077] FIGS. 1 1 A-1 1 G illustrate another alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 220. In this embodiment, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 220 is substantially the same as, and includes substantially the same components as, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing devices 20 and 120 described above, except for as described below. For reference, components that are the same in the device 220 as in the device 120 will be identified with a two- hundred reference numeral that corresponds with the one-hundred reference numeral used with the device 1 20 (e.g. elastic body 230 is substantially the same as elastic body 130). The description and detail above regarding such similar components in devices 20 and 1 20 are incorporated herein regarding the components in device 220.

[0078] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 220 illustrates an alternative to the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 120 in that the depth of the grooves G along the sides 236 and 238 have been modified to permit a change in the flexibility or deformation ability of the body 230 when a force F is applied thereto. Specifically, in the device 120, and as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the grooves Gt positioned along the front portion 140 of the body 130 have a depth Dx1 that is larger than a depth Dx2 of the grooves Gb positioned along the bottom portion 142 of the body 130. In the device 220, and as illustrated in FIG. 1 1 B, the grooves Gt positioned along the front portion 240 of the body 230 have a depth Dx3 that is smaller than a depth Dx4 of the grooves Gb positioned along the bottom portion 242 of the body 230. In various embodiments, the depths Dx2 and Dx3 may be of similar measurement, and the depths Dx1 and Dx4 may be of similar measurement. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 1 B- 1 1 C, the grooves Gt may all have the same depth Dx3 and the grooves Gb may all have the same depth Dx4, although a variation in groove depth for the grooves Gb or Gt are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0079] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 220 also illustrates that the front and back portions 242 and 240 may optionally be shaped differently than in the device 1 20. For instance, the front and back portions 242 and 240 may have a near reverse design when compared to such portions in device 120. Specifically, the front portion 240 may be shaped and sized similar to the back portion 142, and the back portion 242 may be shaped and sized similar to the front portion 140. As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 10A-10C, the top or front portion 140 of the device 120 includes surfaces 141 and 143 adjacent the first and second ends 1 32 and 1 34 that are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis X, and the bottom or back portion 142 of the device 1 20 includes flatter surfaces 145 and 147 adjacent the first and second ends 132 and 134 that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In the alternative device 220, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 1 A-1 1 C, the top or front portion 240 of the device 220 can include surfaces 241 and 243 adjacent the first and second ends 232 and 234 that are close to parallel with the longitudinal axis X, and the bottom or back portion 242 of the device 220 can include surfaces 245 and 247 adjacent the first and second ends 232 and 234 that are more angled with respect to the longitudinal axis X. By substantially reversing the shape and dimension of the front and back portions, and accordingly, varying the angles of surfaces of the front and back portions 240 and 242, the device 220 can be used against or in conjunction with varying surfaces to change or modify the angle of the web (not shown) as it is received within the device. Other angles or shapes of the front and back portions 240 and 242 are envisioned herein and within the scope of this disclosure. [0080] FIGS. 12A-12G illustrate another alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 320. In this embodiment, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 320 is substantially the same as, and includes substantially the same components as, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing devices 220, 120 and 20 discussed above, except for as described below. For reference, components that are the same in the device 320 as in the device 220 will be identified with a three- hundred reference numeral that corresponds with the one-hundred reference numeral used with the device 1 20 (e.g. elastic body 330 is substantially the same as elastic body 130). The description and detail above regarding such similar components in devices 20, 120 and 220 are incorporated herein regarding the components in device 320.

[0081] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 320 illustrates an alternative to the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 120 in that the depth of the grooves Gt and Gb along the sides 236 and 238 have been modified to permit an increase in flexibility or deformation ability of the body 230 when a force F is applied thereto. Specifically, in the device 320, and as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the grooves Gt positioned along the front portion 340 of the body 330 have a depth Dx5, and the grooves Gb positioned along the bottom portion 342 of the body 330 have a depth Dx6, wherein Dx5 and Dx6 are both larger than groove depths Dx2 and Dx3 in devices 120 and 220, respectively. In various embodiments, the depths Dx5 and Dx6 may be of similar measurement. As illustrated in FIGS. 12B-12C, the grooves Gt may all have the same depth Dx5 and the grooves Gb may all have the same depth Dx6, although a variation in groove depth for the grooves Gb or Gt are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0082] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 320 also optionally illustrates an alternative to the device 220 in that the shape or angle of the ends 332 and 334 of the device 220 are different from the ends 232 or 234 of the device 220. In the alternative device 320, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, both the top or front portion 340 of the device 320 and the bottom or back portion 342 of the device 320 include surfaces 341 , 343, 345, and 347 adjacent the first and second ends 332 and 334 that are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis X. In various embodiments, the angles of these surfaces 341 , 343, 346 and 347 may be related to each other or mirror each other so that the sides 336 and 338 of the device look substantially symmetrical.

Alternatively, the angles may be different from each other. Other angles or shapes of the front and back portions 340 and 342 are envisioned herein and within the scope of this disclosure.

[0083] FIGS. 13A-13G illustrate another alternative embodiment of a dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 420. In this embodiment, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 420 is substantially the same as, and includes substantially the same components as, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing devices 320, 220, 120 and 20 discussed above, except for as described below. For reference, components that are the same in the device 420 as in the device 320 will be identified with a four-hundred reference numeral that corresponds with the one-hundred reference numeral used with the device 120 (e.g. elastic body 430 is substantially the same as elastic body 130). The description and detail above regarding such similar components in devices 20, 120, 220m and 320 are incorporated herein regarding the components in device 420.

[0084] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 420 illustrates an alternative to the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 320 in that the depth of the grooves G along the sides 236 and 238 have been modified to decrease the flexibility or deformation ability of the body 430 when a force F is applied thereto. Specifically, in the device 420, and as illustrated in FIG. 13B, the grooves Gt positioned along the front portion 440 of the body 430 have a depth Dx7, and the grooves Gb positioned along the bottom portion 442 of the body 430 have a depth Dx8, with depths Dx7 and Dx8 being smaller than depths Dx5 and Dx6 of device 320. In various embodiments, the depths Dx7 and Dx8 may be of similar measurement. As illustrated in FIGS. 13B-13C, the grooves Gt may all have the same depth Dx7 and the grooves Gb may all have the same depth Dx8, although a variation in groove depth for the grooves Gb or Gt are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0085] As noted above, the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device 420 illustrates an alternative to the device 320 in that the front and back portions 440 and 442 include less undulation or change in the surfaces 433 and 435 than the device 320. As illustrated in FIGS. 12B-12C, the sides 336 and 338 of the device are configured in illustrative embodiments to have a maximum width Wmaxl adjacent the tubular bodies 354 and a minimum width Wminl in between the tubular bodies 354. This accordingly creates grooves Gt and Gb in between the tubular bodies 354. In the embodiment of device 420, as illustrated in FIGS. 13B-1 3C, the sides 436 and 438 of the device are configured in illustrative embodiments to have a maximum width Wmax2 adjacent the tubular bodies 454 and a minimum width Wmin2 in between the tubular bodies 454. This accordingly creates grooves Gt and Gb in between the tubular bodies 454. In the embodiment of device 420, the difference between Wmax2 and Wmin2 is less than the change between Wmaxl and Wminl in the device 320. As is understood, the smaller the groove depth Dx, the more rigid (or less flexible) the device 320/420 is going to be. Thus, the groove depth Dx may be modified as illustrated herein to increase or decrease the amount of flexibility or deformation the device has in the direction of the force F or resultant force RF.

[0086] The dynamic tensioner and load reducing devices 20, 80, 90, 92, 120, 220, 320 or 420 may further utilized in a restraint system (not shown) that is utilized to restrain other items or objections besides vehicle occupants. For instance, such a device may be installed in-line with one or more webs in apparatuses for carrying items in a vehicle or carrying items supported by an occupant. Such items may include, but are not limited to, backpacks, computer bags, shoulder bags, duffle bags, gym bags, dry bags, gear bags, sports equipment bags, purses, slings, and harnesses for supporting weapons, cameras and/or video equipment. It is envisioned that the device may also be utilized with other items or apparatuses for carrying items not identified herein.

[0087] One or more of the embodiments of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device illustrated and described herein may be used as, and in place of, the energy-absorbing web assembly 40 illustrated and described in PCT/US16/61474, filed November 1 1 , 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device described herein may be designed and/or selected to achieve the work range described in PCT/US16/61474 while limiting the forward excursion of the motor vehicle seat occupant to ΔΧ as also described therein without undue

experimentation, and it will be understood that any such application of the dynamic tensioner and load reducing device illustrated and described herein is intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0088] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.